Secret Printer ID Codes May Be Illegal In the EU

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "In response to a query from a member of the EU Parliament, an EU commissioner issued an official statement (.DOC) saying that, while they do not violate any laws, secret printer tracking dot codes may violate the human right to privacy guaranteed by the EU's Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. If you don't remember what these are, Slashdot has discussed the issue before. In short, most color printers print small yellow dots on every sheet in a code that identifies the printer and, potentially, its owner. The EFF is running an awareness campaign, and a couple of years back made a start on deciphering the yellow dot code."

Comments

Privacy is over-rated.

[GarryFre]

If this is a violation of the right to privacy, than guess what. I guess so are license plates. Privacy is fine, but when it comes to the point where it allows folks to do crimes against your person or property in the name of an overdeveloped idea of privacy, it is taking it a bit too far. How would you feel if someone stated leaving threatening notes on your car, on your door and there was no way to catch them before they followed through? Now how would you feel if you got those threatening notes but they authorities were able to put a stop to them before you could come to harm? Would you really be concerned about codes if you weren't doing anything wrong? I wouldn't. I'd rather be safe.

Just like the US constitution

[aepervius]

Apparently it only apply to US citizen. (if you don't think so, I have a hint for you : gitmo).